Month: July 2018

The Erie County Fair is proud to announce the new attractions, exhibits and other elements for the 2018 edition of the “Best 12 Days of Summer.” The following is a list of highlighted experiences debuting this year.

 

FAIR DAY LIVE!

A daily television program originating from the Fair that will provide a daily look at “what’s happening” as well as give viewers an “insiders” look at the Fair’s personalities and attractions. Each morning at 8:30am, the program will be broadcast live on WBBZ-TV (Ch. 67) as well as streamed on Facebook Live. The program will also be available on the Fair’s various social media outlets. Hosted by award winning actress and personality Kim Piazza. Produced by the Erie County Agricultural Society in partnership with WBBZ-TV.

 

I-HUB AT THE FAIR

Newly created exhibit area with the goal of exciting Western New Yorker’s about technology, engineering and the sciences. “I-Hub at the Fair,” with the “I” standing for “innovation, imagination & ingenuity,” which will be located inside the Fair’s Showplace Building. The display will focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) based businesses and education through daily demonstrations, interactive displays and hands-on activities. One of the key goals behind the creation of the “I-Hub at the Fair” is to stimulate interest in the sciences amongst fairgoers and to encourage them to consider careers in areas that are driving the region’s economy. At the center of the I-Hub at the Fair experience will be the STEM Museum produced by Mobile Ed Productions. A portion of the Fair’s Showplace Building will be turned into a state-of-the-art, hands-on children’s museum focused on STEM education. Fairgoers will be encouraged to explore, at their own pace, a variety of stations that will include 3D printing, parabolic arch building and the ability to turn kinetic energy into electricity.

 

CYRK LIVE!

Audiences will be amazed and dazzled by a collection of international circus performers in the all new “Cyrk LIVE!” show to debut at the Fair on August 8th. “Cyrk LIVE!,” a  custom produced show created especially for the Erie County Fair,  will feature cycling stars, amazing aerial artists, eccentric jugglers, comedy and more. The family-friendly, single ring spectacular will take place under a colorful European-style big top tent that will host three shows on weekdays and four shows on weekend days. Also featured, as a separate show, will be the return of the Extreme Chinese Acrobats. Performing under the “big top” will allow for even higher stunts not seen at the Fair in past years. Voted one of the all-time favorites of the Erie County Fair, this talented troupe of artists will present a celebration of color and excitement featuring dancing, balancing, and incredible acrobatics. The Extreme Chinese Acrobats, who start training at an early age, perform amazing feats of skill unlike any other traveling show. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience this all new performance during three shows daily and four shows on weekend days. “Cyrk LIVE!” and the NEW Extreme Chinese Acrobat performances are free of charge with admission to the fair and will take place in a state of the art, circular tented coliseum manufactured in Italy. The structure will be 40 feet high and can accommodate up to 800 people per performance. The tent will be located near Fairgrounds Entry Gate 5.

 

RETURN OF NIGHTLY FIREWORKS

A nightly fireworks spectacular, produced by Skylighters of Western New York, will begin at 9:30pm, weather permitting and will last 10 minutes. The tradition of daily fireworks at the fair was initially inaugurated in 1927 to coincide with the first use of grounds-wide night-time illumination.  The nightly Skylighters display is presented by Ch. 2 On Your Side, WGRZ-TV.

 

DAILY FLAG RETREAT CEREMONY TO HONOR VETS & ACTIVE MILITARY

The 179^th Erie County Fair will see the inauguration of a daily patriotic tradition that will honor veterans and active military members. Beginning August 8^th at 6:30p and continuing each evening during the 12-day run of the Fair, a flag retreat ceremony will be held at Slade Park presented by Made In America stores. During each 8-10 minute ceremony, participating fairgoers will be asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. As a lone bugler sounds retreat, an American flag will be lowered and folded by an honorary color guard from a local VFW, Amvets or Legion post. The flag, which was flown during that day at the Fair, will be presented to a veteran and/or an active member of the military who will be the “Flag Retreat Honoree of the Day.” The Erie County Fair Marching Band will perform the “Star Spangled Banner,” a chorus of “God Bless America” and the “United States Armed Forces Medley.” Made In America Stores will be donating “made in the USA” flags to be used in the daily presentation.

 

NEW FOODS SHOWDOWN JUDGING

A new twist on the Erie County Fair’s New Food Showdown. On Thursday, August 9th at 11:30a, a panel of approximately 10 invited guests will judge the 2018 New Foods Showdown. The judging panel will be comprised of well-known members of the media as well as professional chefs and culinary educators. Now in its 4th year, the “New Food Showdown” showcases our food concessionaire’s culinary delights. We can’t wait to see what innovative food items our vendors have created for our 179th Fair! Judging will take place inside the Erie County Fair Cooks! Kitchen and Shoppe

 

MOBILE CHARGING STATIONS

Fairgoers will be able to charge their phones at one of six mobile charging stations. Stations will be located inside the Agriculture Discovery Center, the Event Center and Erie County Fair Kitchen as well as outside at Kiddleland, Slade Park and Marketplace.

 

MOBILE GLASS BLOWING STUDIO

Times: Daily 2:00-8:00pm. The mobile glassblowing experience will bring the artistry and education of glass making beyond the studio walls to the 179th Erie County Fair. Fairgoers will experience a multitude of information surrounding the lost art of glassblowing. Glassblowing is an interdisciplinary art form that embodies art, science, math, history, and teamwork. The exhibit will feature daily glassblowing demonstrations where 6-7 sculptures will be created. The Mobile Glass Studio was created by glass artist Ryan Gothrup.

 

MYSTERY DRESS CHALLENGE

Featured inside the Fair’s Creative Arts Building. Based on the theme, “outer space,” the Fair will provide a dress form, made of chicken wire and black fabric, and a bag of mystery items. With the provided elements, competitors must design and complete a dress during a three hour time period on Wednesday, August 15th.  Competitors can bring their own decorations to decorate the form. The winning dress will be named 2018 “Miss Universe.” (August 15, 12:00pm-3:00pm)

 

WORLD RECORD WOODEN TURNED BOWL

The Woodworker’s Clubhouse is looking to break the record for the World’s Largest Wooden Turned Bowl during the Fair. The current world record has a diameter of 13-feet, the ‘Western New York’s bowl’ will measure 15-feet in diameter; it will have a depth over 4-feet and will weight in excess of 5,000 pounds.  The Woodworker’s Clubhouse, located in West Seneca, NY (an open to the public wood shop) will be undertaking this endeavor and will be turning the bowl on their custom lathe every day during the fair until it is completed, once complete the Bowl will be on display for family picture taking.

 

BEAUTY, HEALTH & CLOTHING VENDORS:

• Angkor Sales: Fab Brow liner, compact kits and more
• Buffalo Icon Apparel: A Buffalo, NY T-shirt and clothing design pop art brand that celebrates everything that is fun and growing in Buffalo.
• LulaRoe with Lisa Reese: Kids and women’s clothing including leggings, dresses, skirts, tops, & jackets
• Nickel City Designs Buffalo/Hamburg/Seasonal themed graphics imprinted onto mugs, apparel, and more
• Perfect Beauty with Mary Beth: Cosmetic &Skin Care Products
• Southtown Salt Caves & Spa: Salt products and services with health benefits)
• Stacey’s Gifts Galore Scentsy Fragrance, Wax & Warmers, Diffusers & Oils, Clean & Laundry Care
• Swirly Bracelets: Handmade no clasp, wrap bracelets of silver, crystals, stones & pearls)
• What Winners Wear: Equestrian Apparel, Artwork & more)
• Wire Works: Handmade name jewelry made while you wait. Displayed in either sterling silver or gold overlay)
• Yellowwood: Soap, No Poo/Dry Shampoo, Bath Buzzers, Recycled Paper, Coconuts)

 

HOME DÉCOR & GIFT VENDORS:

• Angelus Gallery: Painting and Watercolor Angel Art
• Go Fish: Functional Art 4 Kids along with You & Me Sittin’ In a Tree
• Goldenlook of WNY: Epoxy/stone flooring applied over a concrete surface
• Lackawanna Chiropractic: Promoting Chiropractic Services
• Mystic Spirit Shoppe: Selling crystals, pendulums, and incense. Medium performing tarot card readings
• Norwex: Cleaning supplies from home essentials to bath & body
• Pink Zebra Home: Simmer Pots, Simmering Lights, Wax Melts, Reed Diffusers, and Soaks
• Sand Ornaments by K Star: Ornaments made from Florida sand
• Timbo’s Licorice Ropes: Various Flavors of Licorice Ropes
• Traeger Pallet Grills: Traeger brand wood pellet grills, wood pellets, sauces & ribs.

 

GADGET & SERVICE VENDORS:

• Amazing Products: Glass and tile cutters
• Exact Imagery: Laser Art, Drawing, Graphics, & Photo
• Own Your Own Arcade: Arcade video games for sale
• Personal Etchings: Acrylic etched nightlights, keychains, ornaments, bottle stoppers, memorials, wedding toppers & home décor
• Shoe MGK: Shoe Cleaning done as you walk by along with shoe cleaning products
• Shrink3d: Create 3D figurines/statues of people! Through 3D scanning and 3D printing technology, you can create lifelike replicas of people and their families
• TLM International: Demonstrate foldable mobility scooters that are lightweight and portable
• Foresters Financial Services: Informational insurance booth.

 

BANDALONI

100% live musical one man band show of the highest professional caliber that is good fun and entertaining for people of all ages. Get this, he uses no backing tracks! Bandaloni the one man band draws from a century deep well of classic songs, spanning all musical genres with an emphasis on Rock & Roll and Country. The show also involves lots of audience participation combined with humor and astounding novelty tricks executed on his custom made guitar and drum.

 

CATHERINE HICKLAND – Hypnotist

Actress, author and Hypnotist Catherine Hickland takes you on a subconscious journey through the incredible that will leave you crying with laughter and pondering the boundaries of mental power. Watch as the impossible becomes real. Shy audience members are transformed into the stars of the show. The unknowable is revealed. The science of the mind is turned into something that’s intriguing, romantic, and poetic all at once. This show is fast paced, hilarious, clean and family friendly.

 

ERIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S GO DIVE NOW POOL EXPERIENCE

Try scuba diving in the fun and easy environment provided by the Go Dive Now Pool experience. Attendees can try diving in a comfortable environment with the help of trained professionals. Bring your swimsuit – we’ll provide the rest. Attendees over the age of 10 are welcome to try diving at no additional cost. Children ages 10 and 11 must have an adult try diving with them. Children 12 or older can get in on their own as long as an adult is present at poolside. The pool will be staffed with professional instructors and dive leaders from local professional dive centers. No prior registration required. Go Dive Now Pool Details: The 30-foot, 15,000-gallon Go Dive Now pool and exhibit is complete with all the latest scuba gear including regulators, tanks, wetsuits, masks, fins, and more. Limited Dates.

 

HORSES, HORSES, HORSES!

Lisa Dufresne has turned her love of animals into a lifelong career. Her natural skill with horses led to a career performing, choreographing and competing with her horses. This show displays many kinds of equine acts performed by various equines for your entertainment. This show is fun for the whole family and perfect for any horse lover you know.

 

JON STETSON – Mentalist

The Stetson Experience is intelligent, interactive, sophisticated fun. Along with hundreds of corporate appearances, Jon has performed for three U.S. Presidents, The King of Sweden, The Royal Family of Monaco, and has appeared on several major Television Networks. Interjecting uproarious comedy into each program, Jon creates a hilarious and unique presentation that never fails to blow the audience away. Stetson blends the art of Mystery with the study of Psychology, the predictability of human nature and the power of intuition, with a disarming sense of humor. The result is slack jawed amazement, where the most skeptical of audience members begin to feel a renewed sense of wonder as impossibilities become realities.

 

MAX POWER & NITRO

Max Power is a 9’ tall walking, talking, mobile dance party! Accompanied by his custom built monster truck named NITRO, Max strolls through the Fair in grand fashion. Max will keep you entertained with personal interaction, silly jokes, crazy photo poses and impromptu dance parties.

 

NINJA EXPERIENCE

This team of martial arts experts has been wowing audiences around the world with high-flying, jaw-dropping performances that showcase an extraordinary display of extreme breaking and theatrics. This show has it all- crowd interaction, comedy skits, and big stunts! When they all come together it creates a ninja warrior meets parkour and free running, total ninja experience.

 

EXTREME LOG MAKEOVER

‘Extreme log make over’ are the words used to describe what Tom and Dawna do. They are one of the few husband and wife chainsaw carving teams in our country. Every carving is hand crafted from start to finish. They both have been a part of invitational only competitions, have been guests at nationally recognized carver shows, and have had the excitement of doing tag team speed carves.  Funds raised benefit the Erie County Agricultural Society Scholarship Fund.

 

U.S. ARMY MOBILE USABILITY LAB (MULE)

The MULE Semi is an 18-wheel-tractor-trailer that is self- contained and climate controlled. It is an interactive exhibit with state of the art technology. Each part of the exhibit is virtual reality and S.T.E.M. based interaction. Inside: Augmented Reality Sand Table, HTC Vive System, Oculus Rift System, Distracted Driver System, and Humvee Simulator.

 

For generations, the annual arrival of the James E. Strates Shows train has been a highly anticipated occasion for fairgoers and enthusiasts of Americana. The movement of the colorful freight train filled with wagons and amusement rides into the Village of Hamburg is a signal that opening day of the Erie County Fair is just days away.

 

On Wednesday, August 1^st at 11am, the Fair Train will arrive at the historic Erie Railroad Depot in the Village of Hamburg as the Strates Shows begins its 94^th season with the Erie County Fair. The depot is located at the corner of Union and Scott Streets (4 Scott Street).

 

The train will begin the final leg of its journey to Hamburg, using Buffalo Southern Railroad trackage that runs from Tifft Street in South Buffalo through Blasdell as it makes it way to Hamburg. As the train arrives at the depot it will be greeted by the Erie County Fair Marching Band, Fair Bear, members of the Strates family and Erie County Fair officials.

 

500 limited edition “Train Day” buttons will be available on a first-come basis, one per person, at the Depot prior to the train’s arrival.

 

Over the decades, the logistics involved in moving Strates Shows’ employees and equipment has developed into a precise science. The modern Strates Train consists of over 50 rail cars for rides and equipment and 34 trucks. A designated trainmaster and crew can load or unload the train in less than 18 hours with precision of a military operation. The show travels the United States during a seven-month season.

 

The exclusive relationship between the Erie County Fair and the Strates Shows, now in its 94^th year, is considered a historical milestone in the modern amusement industry. The relationship between the Strates Shows and the Erie County Fair is the longest continuous run of any carnival midway in the United States.

 

 

 

 

There are so many ways to save when attending the 179^th Erie County Fair. The Erie County Agricultural Society, sponsors of the fair, encourages everyone to take advantage of the deals and discounts from opening day Wednesday, August 8^th until the gates close on Sunday, August 19^th.

 

Regular daily gate admission is $10 for adult and $7 for seniors (60+). Fair hours are 12pm-10pm on Wednesday August 8^th and 9am-10pm August 9^th – 19^th.

 

Here are the 10 BEST ways to save money at the Erie County Fair:

 

1. PLAN AHEAD AND SAVE AT THE GATE – The Erie County Fair has teamed up with Tops Friendly Markets to offer advance sale gate admission vouchers. The cost is $7 per adult, $5 per senior (60+). Purchase vouchers at Tops Friendly Markets now through August 7^th and redeem them at any Fair gate. Ask your cashier at checkout!
2.  IT’S GREAT TO BE A KID! – Children 12 and under are ALWAYS free at the Fair!
3. FILL THE FOOD BANK & GET IN FREE OPENING DAY! – For the sixth year in a row, the Erie County Fair will partner with the Food Bank of WNY to help fill their warehouse with canned goods. Fairgoers will gain FREE admission to the Fair on Opening Day, Wednesday, August 8^th with the donation of a canned food. Donations will be accepted at all Fair gates beginning at Noon.
4. AS SEEN ON TV – Our television partners give you a chance to save big during three special days at the Fair! While you’re at the Fair, stop by their displays to meet your favorite personalities and support partner charities. WGRZ Channel 2 Day, Wednesday, August 8^th. $2 admission (Gates open at noon); WKBW Channel 7 Day. Tuesday, August 14^th. $5 admission all day; WIVB Channel 4 Day, Thursday, August 16^th. $4 admission all day (NEW DATE)
5. YOU’VE GOT A TICKET TO RIDE – Take advantage of one price ride days and ride all day for one low price. Purchase a $25 weekday ride voucher (Monday-Friday) in advance at the Tops Friendly Markets through August 7^th for a $5 savings. Ask your cashier at checkout. $40 weekend wristbands are available at the Fair only. You can also purchase a Strates Shows Fun Card with 70 ride credits for $23. This offer is available at ECFair.org until August 7^th.
6. THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SERVE – All firefighters and auxiliary members receive FREE admission with proper ID on Firefighters Day, Friday, August 10^th. Veterans, active military and auxiliary members with proper ID receive FREE admission on August 12^th.
7. GET TO THE FAIR EARLY ON WEEKDAYS (Monday-Friday) PAYS OFF  – Arrive before 11am on August 9^th & 10^th or between August 13^th and 17^th and get into the Fair for only $5.
8. STUDENTS GET SCHOOLED ON SAVINGS – Teens and young adults can meet their friends at the Fair. Students with proper school ID pay just $5 after 5pm every day.
9. COME HUNGRY – During the Taste of the Fair on Monday, August 13th, over 100 vendors will be offering food items for just $2.00. This is the perfect opportunity to try that food you always wanted to. Other food discounts during the Fair include our $6 commemorative, souvenir mug featuring $3.00 refills all day at participating vendors. Buck-A-Roos, a concession stand near Kiddieland, features 10 items for $2 each. Unlike other major WNY attractions, concerts or sporting events, Fairgoers can bring in coolers with food and drink and, set up for the entire day at one of our many picnic areas (no alcohol or glass bottles please). Visit ECFair.org to download 30 food coupons for Fair vendors as an extra bonus.
10. LISTEN TO THE FREE MUSIC – There is free, live entertainment all over the Fairgrounds! Join us for our four FREE Buffalo.com Grandstand Concerts on Wednesday, August 8^th featuring the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Saturday, August 11^th with The Fab Four, the “Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band,” Monday, August 13^th, with The Oak Ridge Boys and Tuesday, August 14^th featuring Midland.

 

Deep Fried Piggy Mac Tacos, a Donut Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Bacon and the debut of the Surf & Turf Pierogi are among the new foods on this year’s lineup during the Best 12 Days of Summer.

 

 

It’s no surprise, in a region that loves to eat, that the number one reason why people attend the annual Erie County Fair is food. During the 12-days of the 2018 Fair, the Fairgrounds plays host to over 500 food items available at 125 food stands. This year’s bill-of-fare ranges from time-honored regional favorites to limited edition, deep fried novelty treats only found at the Fair.

 

 

New items have been added to the menu and are part of the Fair’s New Food Showdown. Fair food fans will again be able to vote for the “Best New Food at the Fair.” Voting will begin opening day August 8^th and continue to August 14^th. The winner will be announced on Thursday, August 16^th. Past champions have included Mineo & Sapio’s Chorizo Ciabatta Sandwich (2015), Mark’s Pizza and Subs’ Deep Fried Bologna Bites (2016) and Babcia’s Pierogi’s Crab Stuffed Mushroom Pierogi (2017).

 

 

Along with the “fairgoer’s vote,” for the new food of the Fair, 2018 will see the inauguration of a new element to the “showdown.  On Thursday, August 9^th at 11:30am, a panel of guest judges will provide their own take on the Fair’s food innovations. The panel will consist of culinary professionals from the Niagara Falls Niagara Culinary Institute, SUNY Erie’s Culinary Arts Program, Delaware North along with media judges including Spectrum News’s, Alex Haight, WGRZ’s Kate Welshofer, WBEN’s Brian Mazurowski, WKBW’s Mike Randall, Business First’s Jim Fink, WIVB’s Angela Christoforos and WECK‘s Steve Cichon.

 

 

 

This year’s “New Food Showdown” will not disappoint Fairgoers with a sense of culinary adventure. Highlights include:

 

• Deep Fried Piggy Mac Taco, Jim’s Taco, Trackside. Pulled pork, macaroni & cheese, coleslaw all inside a taco shell then deep fried. (G7)
• Donut Grilled Cheese with Bacon, The Big Cheese near Creative Arts Building. Cheddar & American cheese with bacon grilled on a glazed donut for a delicious combination (J10)
• Garlic Parmesan Corn on the Cob, The Crafted Cob near Creative Arts Building. Corn on the cob with garlic butter and parmesan cheese (J10)
• Apple Quesadilla, Jacks Delicious Fries on Broadway. Apple quesadilla dipped in butter, deep fried, topped with confectionary sugar & drizzled with icing. (L7)
• Cookie Dough Extreme, 4 Dogs Dessert on Slade Park, Homemade edible cookie dough, Chocolate Chip, Cake Batter, Oreo or Surprise Flavor (I6)
• Sweeter Than Sweet Tots, Fun Time Foods on Broadway. Sweet potato tater tots with marsh mellow fluff and a drizzle of maple syrup (K6)
• Surf & Turf Pierogi, Babcia’s Pierogi on Trackside. Shaved beef, mushroom, and onion filled pierogi, topped with grilled garlic shrimp & basil parmesan sauce. (H7)
• Cowboy Nachos, Big G’s Food Service on Trackside. Chips, cheese, chili, beans, salsa, lettuce, sour cream, jalapenos (G7)
• Loganberry Sundae, Dippin Dots on Avenue of Flags. Loganberry syrup, white chocolate syrup and whipped cream (K9)
• The Dirty Bird, Mineo & Sapio on Broadway. Chicken Italian sausage patties with BBQ glaze, caramelized, onion, cheddar cheese & Asian slaw served on grilled ciabatta (J7)

 

2018 marks the 3^rd year of the Erie County Fair’s participation in the Independent Health Foundation’s Healthy Options program. Participating restaurants have signed on to offer a healthy menu item that has been approved by the Independent Health Foundation.

 

 

Growing each year in popularity, the “Taste of Fair” Food Festival will return on Monday, August 13^th.  Fair vendors will feature over 125 “taste” sized portions for only $2. Alongside traditional Fair foods like Italian sausage and cotton candy, the Taste of the Fair’s menu includes stuffed banana peppers from Antone’s and Deep Fried Mac & Cheese from Diventuri. A complete listing of items and locations will be available on the Fair’s website, mobile app and on menus located at Fair gates the day of the event.

 

 

The Fair’s culinary arts center, the “Erie County Fair Cooks! Kitchen & Shoppe,” will continue to highlight regionally sourced and grown products, promote easy to cook at home meal options and to expose Fairgoers to Western New York’s dynamic culinary scene. Over 70 demonstrations have been schedule to take place during the 12-days of the fair. Highlights include the return of Howard Rosenthal of Mr. Food’s Test Kitchen (August 14) and Arthur Bovino, author of Buffalo Everything: A Guide to Eating in the Nickel City (August 18 & 19). The Fair is also proud to partner with the Niagara Falls Niagara Culinary Institute, SUNY Erie’s Culinary Arts Program and the Tops Cooking School on a series of demonstrations.

 

 

Adult fairgoers will be able to wash down all their Fair food with one of two limited edition beers. A Vienna Lager, the “Best of Show” winner during the Erie County Fair’s 2018 Home Brew Competition and an American Pale Ale based on the 2015 championship beer will be available at the Fair’s beer gardens. Both beers were brewed by Buffalo’s Flying Bison Brewing Company.

 

 

The Erie County Fair will partner with the Food Bank of WNY to help fill their warehouse with canned goods. Fairgoers will gain FREE admission to the Fair on Opening Day, Wednesday, August 8^th with the donation of a canned food. Donations will be accepted at all Fair gates beginning at Noon.

 

 

Following the conclusion of the 179^th Fair, on Tuesday, September 18^th, the Fair will celebrate “National Birth of the Burger Day.” The day has been set aside to commemorate the invention of the hamburger sandwich that took place during the 1885 Erie County Fair by Frank and Charles Menches of Canton, Ohio.  During the Fair, Weidner’s BBQ located on the Avenue of Flags will feature their culinary tribute to the birth of America’s favorite sandwich with the “1885 Burger.”

 

 

The annual Erie County Fair 5K Run, presented by Good Health Saunas,  returns to the Fairgrounds on Saturday August 11, 2018 with pistol start at 8:30am. This USA Track & Field (USATF) 3.1 mile route has been certified as the flattest route in Western New York. The start and finish lines are located on the famous “Hamburg Oval” racetrack inside the Gusto Grandstand. The route then proceeds through the picturesque Town and Village of Hamburg featuring a zero percent grade.

 

Pre-registration cost is $25 ($30 day of race) and includes preferred, onsite parking, two adult admission passes to the fair and a post-race picnic. The first 500 registrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt.  Registration is now available online at www. ECFair.org. Pre-registered participants are encouraged to pick up their race packets on Thursday August 9 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at the Made In America Store located at the McKinley Mall in Hamburg. Participants can still register the morning of the race with race day registration beginning at 7:00am.

 

All ages are welcome to participate in the 5K, however, no pets, skateboards, rollerblades or bicycles are allowed on the course. Water stations will be provided. Awards will be given to the top three males and females in each age division.

 

The proceeds from the event will benefit the Erie County Agricultural Society Scholarship Fund. Since 2000 the fund has made available over $225,000 in scholarships to students who are pursuing careers in agriculture as well as those who participate in other aspects of the Fair. Past recipients include marching band members, media/marketing interns, concessionaires, volunteers, and exhibitors.

 

The Erie County Fair 5K Run is presented by Good Health Saunas with additional support from Tops Friendly Markets, Bryant & Stratton College, G&G Fitness, Made In America Stores, and Upstate Farms. The event is timed by ITS Buffalo Time. For more information on the Erie County Fair 5K, please call (716) 649-3900 or email hollys@ecfair.org.

 

Hamburg Residents Note: There will be limited access to Clark Street between 8:30am and 9:30am on Saturday, August 11th for the safety of the participants. Local fire companies and police agencies will assist in traffic control.

 

One year ago, on July 20^th, an EF-2 tornado touched down in Hamburg, New York taking a path that directly crossed the Erie County Fairgrounds. This was one of four confirmed tornadoes that occurred during the storm. Estimated wind speeds reaching 115 mph caused millions of dollars in damage just weeks before opening day of the 2017 Erie County Fair. Hundreds of people consisting of Fairgrounds staff, private contractors and dedicated volunteers worked non-stop during a 20-day period to ensure the Fair would open as scheduled.

 

To commemorate the community-wide effort to rebuild after the storm, Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream will offer small “twist” soft-serve ice cream cones for 50¢ cents on Friday, July 20th. The cones will be on sale exclusively at the Village of Hamburg location of Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream located at the Clark Street & South Park Avenue traffic circle from 2-5pm.

 

Charlap’s has been a partner of the Erie County Fair for over 40 years. In 1961, dairy farmer Henry Charlap along with his father Nicholas, his uncle Leo Mrugala, and his brother-in-law Louis Fronczak purchased an existing dairy in North Boston and began make fresh dairy products using locally sourced milk. Originally just a rural farm and dairy, Charlap’s soon became famous for its creamy rich ice cream. Henry’s son Nicholas took over the business in the 2000s.

 

Watch some never seen before video from last year.

 

 

The keg will be officially tapped on the 2018 Erie County Fair Craft Beer during a free community celebration and ceremony at 5:30pm at the Flying Bison Brewery, 840 Seneca Street, Buffalo on Thursday, July 19^th. This year’s winning brew, a “Vienna Lager” developed by homebrewer Kevin DiTondo of Cheektowaga was named “Best of Show” during the Erie County Fair’s 2018 Home Brew Competition.

The “Roll Out the Barrel” party, will feature samples of the Erie County Fair Craft Beers and R&B/Soul music by Robert “Freight Train” Parker. The event runs from 5-8pm and is free and open to the public.

The brewing of the “Vienna Lager” took place at the Flying Bison Brewing Company in June.  According to BJCP’s published style guidelines, Vienna Lagers are an amber colored brew with a rich toasty character. The Fair’s winning entry had an attractive light brown copper appearance filled with bread and raisin aroma with a slight hops taste. Judges noted that the brew has “just enough sweetness to keep it from bring crisp.” Also featured will be an American Pale Ale based on the 2015 winning beer submitted by North Tonawanda’s John Crossett and Brian Milleville from Niagara Falls.

The Erie County Fair Home Brew Competition, now in its fifth year, is sponsored by the Erie County Agricultural Society with support from Try-It Distributing, Flying Bison Brewing and KATZ Americas.

 

What is believed to be the world’s first, practical use “ketchup dispensing robot” was officially unveiled in anticipation of the start of the 179^th Erie County Fair. The robot, affectionately named “Molly” by its inventors, will be part of the “I-Hub at the Fair” series of exhibits and experiences.

 

Over 300 hours of Western New York-born engineering and computer programming have been invested into this unique mechanism built by Hamburg’s Staub Precision Machine. Technically known as a, “cobot” or collaborative robot, this type of automation is intended to physically interact with humans in a shared workspace. The design of the ketchup dispensing robot utilized the computer aided design skills, machining work, 3D printing, computer programing and fabrication with a dose of old fashion carnival showmanship. At the Fair, the robot will be put to work interacting with Fairgoers and providing ketchup at the popular “Jim’s Fries.” The machine is meant to symbolize and represent “homegrown” ingenuity.

 

The “I-Hub at the Fair” is a newly created exhibit area that will focus on Western New York’s growing technology, engineering and science economy as well as education. “I-Hub at the Fair,” with the “I” standing for “innovation, imagination & ingenuity,” will be located inside the Fair’s Showplace Building with other displays being highlighted around the Fairgrounds. Displays will focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) based businesses and education through daily demonstrations, interactive displays and hands-on activities.

 

 

 

To create it’s new “I-Hub at the Fair” exhibit, the Erie County Fair has enlisted the support of  Western New York State‘s leading science, technology, engineer and mathematic (STEM) companies and organizations. During the 12-days of the Fair, various I-Hub at the Fair partners will provide daily demonstrations, interactive displays and hands-on activities. 2018 partners include:

 

Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance: Established in 2010, the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance (BNMA) is the region’s largest non-profit organization representing area manufacturers. A number of BNMA members including the Buffalo Manufacturing Works, National Grid and Moog will provide displays during the course of the Fair.

 

Northland Workforce Training: Part of New York State’s “Buffalo Billion” investment, the center will serve as a new hub which will focus primarily on training for careers in the advanced manufacturing and energy sectors. Northland will coordinate interactive labs that will include an Interactive Welding Simulator & CNC Lathe.  In addition Northland will provide a Mechanical Advantage Lab, which will allow participants to build basic machines using pullies, levers, and gear systems.  Companies partnered with Northland that will help support this space are; Haun Welding, NYMAT, Oeticker, Keller Technology, Hebeler Corp, Moog, Air Sep, & Staub

 

WNY Stem: The region’s leading non-for-profit whose goal is to bring together Western New Yorkers to advance the interdisciplinary teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

 

EagleHawk LLC: EagleHawk is a drone technology company based in Buffalo.  EagleHawk will be engaging fair goers during iHub with a variety of drone activities!  These activities include drone simulators where fair goers get a chance at the controls and get first person views from high above the fair with an EagleHawk drone pilot.  EagleHawk will also provide flight demonstrations and education on different types of drone platforms.  Smaller toy drones will also be available for visitors to fly with EagleHawk.

 

Girl Scouts of Western New York: The preeminent leadership development organization for girls will offer interactive STEM based activities as well as be on hand to provide information on how to join.

 

Praxair: Buffalo’s Praxair develops technology, products and services to help sustain and protect the planet. The company’s STEAM Team will be on hand with cryogenic liquids and air experiments.  Fairgoers be able to watch how cryogenic liquids change the properties of everyday items such as balloons and flowers.

 

SomaDetect: Founded in 2016, provides farmers with information they want and need in formats that are easy to use. Dairy farmers can gain access to real time analytics of milk quality and herd health indicators from every cow at every milking through SomaDetect technology. SomaDetect was the winner of the $1 million grand prize in the 2017 43North business plan competition.

 

University at Buffalo GEM: The UB GEM Community of Excellence focuses on advancing genome science to help give people the tools necessary to understand personal health issues. GEM has an expanded understanding of the genome, microbiome and environmental factors to revolutionize the emerging field of personalized medicine. GEM will provide activity involving Mircobiomes or DNA with the help of a few of her students.

 

UB Society for Automotive Engineers: The UB Society for Automotive Engineers is organized to train students in hands-on engineering and design skills. The SAE student chapter forms teams to work on projects that participate in national competitions focused on Formula Car, Go-Karts and more.

 

NanoSat: A student research lab at the University at Buffalo under the direction of Dr. John Crassidis. This group of students works with the Air Force Research Lab, NASA, and Moog, Inc. to build satellites from concept to launch.

 

First Robotics: Founded in 1989 First Robotics is a not-for-profit public charity designed to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology, and to motivate them to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM fields. First will demonstrate competition style robots as well as allow fairgoers to experience this technology up-close and personal.

 

New York State Power Authority: Get a hair-raising experience at the New York Power Authority booth. Watch a short film to learn about the Niagara Power Vista and its recently updated exhibit space featuring a simulated ride, interactive game challenges and photo opportunities using the RFID Power Player badge; learn about NYPA’s free community events, onsite Power Vista programs and more.

 

Staub Precision Machine: Located in the Village of Hamburg, Staub Precision Machine operates as a production shop, machining component parts for manufacturers across the country. Staub’s “ketchup dispensing robot” will be on display at Jim’s French Fries concession stand.

 

The “I-Hub at the Fair” is sponsored by Bunzl and L. A. Wooley Electric Inc.

 

The 179^th Erie County Fair will see the debut of a newly created exhibit area with the goal of exciting Western New Yorker’s about technology, engineering and the sciences. “I-Hub at the Fair,” with the “I” standing for “innovation, imagination & ingenuity,” which will be located inside the Fair’s Showplace Building. The display will focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) based businesses and education through daily demonstrations, interactive displays and hands-on activities.

 

“Fairs have acted as public stages for innovation since their inception,” said CEO & Fair Manager Jessica Underberg. “Whether it was new steam powered farm implements in the 1870s, automobiles in the 1910s or the introduction of television in the late 1940s, the Erie County Fair allowed Western New Yorkers to experience new technology up-close and in person.”

 

One of the key goals behind the creation of the “I-Hub at the Fair” is to stimulate interest in the sciences amongst fairgoers and to encourage them to consider careers in areas that are driving the region’s economy. To accomplish this, the Erie County Fair has partnered with some of Western New York State‘s leading companies and organizations who are currently leading the charge including the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance, National Grid, WNY Stem Hub, EagleHawk, Staub Precision Machine, Praxair, SomaDetect, University at Buffalo GEM (Genome, Environment & Microbiome), UB Society for Automotive Engineers, Girl Scouts of Western New York, UB NanoSat, The Buffalo Manufacturing Works, The New York Power Authority, FIRST Robotics and the Northland Workforce Training Center. The “I-Hub at the Fair” is sponsored by Bunzl and L. A. Wooley Electric Inc.

 

At the center of the I-Hub at the Fair experience will be the STEM Museum produced by Mobile Ed Productions. A portion of the Fair’s Showplace Building will be turned into a state-of-the-art, hands-on children’s museum focused on STEM education. Fairgoers will be encouraged to explore, at their own pace, a variety of stations that will include 3D printing, parabolic arch building and the ability to turn kinetic energy into electricity.

 

Outside of the main I-Hub exhibit area, Fair patrons will be able to discover technology and innovation found throughout the Fair. A “passport” stamp program will lead participants to the Fair’s 4-H Youth Development Building and the Agriculture Discovery Center among other Fair sites to experience STEM in action. One of the “passport stamp” stops will be located at “Jim’s French Fries” concession where people will be able to interact with the world’s first, practical use “ketchup dispensing robot.” Over 300 hours of Western New York-born engineering and computer programming have been invested into this unique mechanism built by Hamburg’s Staub Precision Machine. The machine is meant to symbolize and represent “homegrown” ingenuity.

 

“The I-Hub represents the future of our industry. In an ever increasing virtual world, Fairs continue to be a place where the community experiences life first hand,” said Fair Marketing Manager Marty Biniasz. “From the raising of champion livestock to inventions being created in our backyards, fairs celebrate and let people interact with the best of human accomplishments.”